Nocturne Cycliste de Dun-le-Palestel
Professional nighttime cycling criterium in the heart of Dun-le-Palestel in Creuse
About Critérium de Dun
Sixty years of professional cycling in Creuse
The Nocturne Cycliste de Dun-le-Palestel, officially named Professional Nighttime Cycling Criterium, is a major sporting event in Creuse that celebrated its 60th edition in 2025. Created in 1965, this criterium has established itself as a must-attend event on the French cycling calendar, scheduled a few weeks after the Tour de France to attract riders who distinguished themselves on the Grande Boucle.
A nighttime circuit in the heart of the city
The race takes place on a 1,500-meter circuit laid out in the streets of the town center of Dun-le-Palestel, which professional and amateur riders complete fifty times under the night lights. The special atmosphere of an evening race, with the lighting and the crowd gathered along the circuit, gives this event a unique spectacular and festive dimension in Creuse.
Tour de France Champions in Dun
Since its creation, the Dun-le-Palestel criterium has hosted the biggest names in French and international cycling. Thomas Voeckler, Jacky Durand, Sylvain Chavanel, and Tony Gallopin — a multiple winner — are among the champions who have raced on the Dun circuit. In 2024, it was Paul Lapeira, the reigning French champion, who won the 59th edition in front of over 10,000 spectators, confirming the attractiveness of this event that mobilizes between 10,000 and 12,000 people each year.
Critérium de Dun — edition 2026
61st edition of the Dun-le-Palestel Professional Nocturne Cycling Criterium, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. A night race bringing together Tour de France champions and amateur riders on a 1,500-meter urban circuit, in the streets of the town center of the Creuse commune.
The 61st edition of the Dun-le-Palestel Professional Nocturne Cycling Criterium will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the streets of the town center (1,500-meter circuit). The event, one of the major post-Tour de France criteriums, brings together professional and amateur riders under the night lights.
The day is organized around the criterium village, open from the morning (activity stands, information point, shop), an afternoon cycling tour, the arrival of the riders, and then the evening races. Access is free for spectators.
Programme Critérium de Dun 2026
Typical schedule for Saturday, August 8, 2026:
- Morning — Opening of the criterium village: information point, activity stands, shop
- Late morning — Entertainment by the speaker
- Early afternoon — Open cycling tour
- Mid-afternoon — Arrival of riders and meeting with the public
- Evening — "Gentlemen's" race (two-person team time trial over two laps, one pro paired with one amateur), passage of the advertising caravan, then main race over 50 laps of the 1,500 m circuit
- Late evening — Awards ceremony on the podium
The detailed program (registered riders, precise times) is published by the organizer closer to the event.
Highlights Critérium de Dun 2026
- 61st edition of the criterium
- Professional Tour de France riders
- 50 laps of the 1,500 m circuit
- Spectacular night race
- Free access
Prices Critérium de Dun 2026
Practical information — Critérium de Dun
Practical Information
Location
Town center of Dun-le-Palestel, 23800 Dun-le-Palestel. 1,500-meter circuit in the town streets.
Access
- By car: Dun-le-Palestel is located 30 km northwest of Guéret via the D1. Free parking on the outskirts.
- By bus: Regional lines from Guéret.
Prices
- Free access for spectators
Contact
- Website: criteriumdunpro.wifeo.com
- Mairie de Dun-le-Palestel: 05 55 89 00 23
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Where does it take place — Critérium de Dun
Circuit du centre-ville
Centre-ville, 23800 Dun-le-Palestel